Strike Alert: Banks May Remain Closed for 5 Days in September

UdaipurTimes, Sept 22, 2026 - Bank unions have called a three-day nationwide strike from September 28 to 30, 2026. With the weekend holidays falling around this period, banks could remain closed for up to five consecutive days, potentially affecting banking operations.

The striking unions are demanding the following:

• Introduction of a five-day working week for banks.
• Modernisation and improvement of the pension system.
• A uniform formula for Dearness Allowance (DA) for all pensioners.
• Giving employees covered under the National Pension System (NPS) the option to return to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Several major banks, including SBI and Union Bank, have already issued advisories to alert their customers. SBI has said it is taking measures to ensure essential banking services remain available during the period. Banks generally make arrangements to keep transactions running normally during strikes, but some services may still be affected. Cash transactions at branches, physical withdrawals, in-person loan or account paperwork, cheque-related services and NEFT transactions could face disruptions. 

ATMs and automated deposit and withdrawal machines will continue to operate to meet customers' cash requirements. Services that require physical document verification, cheque processing or assistance from bank employees may be delayed.

There is not expected to be any direct disruption to the payment of monthly loan instalments (EMIs) or credit card bills for those who pay online. Loan instalments and credit card bills can generally be paid through online banking, mobile banking apps, UPI, e-wallets and other digital payment channels, which are expected to remain available during the strike.

The strike has been called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU). It has also announced carrying on its agitation with a continued strike from October 26.